Students at the University of Victoria (UVic) law school now have a dedicated space to learn Indigenous laws and legal traditions with the opening of the new Indigenous law wing.
“The new Indigenous law wing at UVic is a world-leading example of how education can advance reconciliation,” said Jessie Sunner, B.C. Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. “It creates a space rooted in Indigenous traditions where students can learn and grow, preparing them to lead in a justice system that reflects trauma-informed practice and the diversity of our province. By bringing Indigenous legal traditions into our justice system, we’re helping future lawyers build the skills and understanding they need to meaningfully support all communities they serve.”
The new 2,440-square-metre wing expands the Murray and Anne Fraser Building and provides a culturally relevant hub for students, faculty and community members to share knowledge and engage in dialogue around Indigenous history and law. The expansion includes indoor and outdoor classrooms, an Elders’ garden, ceremonial gathering spaces, and specialized areas for clinical programs and research centres, including the Indigenous Law Research Unit, the Access to Justice Centre for Excellence and the Environmental Law Centre.
“The space represents an important milestone for justice and reconciliation in Canada,” said Will Greaves, member of Parliament for Victoria. “Built in consultation with Songhees, Xwsepsum (Esquimalt), and W̱SÁNEĆ Nations, with support from the federal and provincial governments, this project reflects that Indigenous knowledge and legal systems form a critical part of Canada’s legal and constitutional system. As a UVic faculty member and the member of Parliament for Victoria, I am proud to have the new Indigenous law wing in our community and am grateful to all those who worked to make it a reality.”
Designed in close consultation with community members and Elders from the Songhees, Xwsepsum (Esquimalt) and W̱SÁNEĆ Nations, the wing reflects Coast Salish legal traditions, honouring long-standing relationships with UVic’s law school. Every detail, from the use of natural materials to spaces for oral storytelling, was guided by Indigenous teachings and shaped by conversations shared with community members.
“The new Indigenous law wing reflects the values we hold deeply at UVic,” said Qwul’sih’yah’maht, Robina Thomas, acting president, UVic. “Its construction was the product of great collaboration between architects, Elders and community. It’s a space to bridge Indigenous legal knowledge with Canadian law and create new learning opportunities for our students.”
UVic law is home to the world’s first juris doctor and juris Indigenarum doctor (JD/JID) joint-degree program, launched in 2018. This four-year program trains students in both Canadian common law and Indigenous legal traditions through classroom learning and community-based field studies. Graduates are uniquely equipped to practise law across legal systems, supporting Indigenous communities and strengthening understanding between legal traditions.
The project was supported through nearly $46 million in total funding, made possible with more than $9 million from the Government of Canada, $18 million from the B.C. government, $11 million from the Law Foundation of British Columbia and nearly $8 million from UVic.
This initiative directly responds to Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 50 — urging the creation of Indigenous law institutes — and aligns with B.C.’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan, ensuring post-secondary education reflects and respects Indigenous knowledge and traditions. This project is part of the Province’s broader commitment to advancing Indigenous self-determination.
